Rural students face unique challenges when pursuing higher education. Despite making up a significant portion of the country’s K-12 population — one-third of schools are designated as rural — these students are far less likely to enroll in college compared to their urban and suburban peers.
According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 29% of rural residents aged 18 to 24 are enrolled in higher education, a stark contrast to the 48% and 42% of those from urban and suburban areas, respectively, in the same age group. This disparity has been attributed to several factors, including geographic isolation, limited access to college-preparatory resources, and financial constraints.
A key issue these students face is the lack of nearby postsecondary institutions. The American Council on Education (ACE) reports that 13 million Americans live in “education deserts,” areas where no colleges or universities are within a reasonable commuting distance. This geographic barrier can make attending college a less viable option, particularly when coupled with the high costs associated with relocation or long-distance travel to campus.
The recent closures of rural colleges threatens to exacerbate the issue further. Since 2020, more than a dozen private institutions serving rural areas have shut their doors.
Federal Support
In response to these challenges, various initiatives are being implemented to support rural students in accessing higher education.
One of the most significant efforts is the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program, a $44.5 million investment from the Biden administration. This summer, the grant was awarded to 22 institutions throughout the country to create pathways for students in rural regions to pursue education in fields that lead to in-demand, well-paying careers.
“Rural communities face unique challenges in educating, training, and developing high-skill workers—yet they are also home to students with unique skills and potential,” Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said when the grant funding was announced in June. “These dedicated funds will ensure that students in rural areas have access to postsecondary credentials and other resources that lead to high-quality career pathways and economic success.”
To add further support, experts at EAB — an education research and consulting firm — recommend that colleges offer additional financial aid and resources, such as on-campus summer programs that can help students envision themselves in a college setting. Flexible funding that covers commuting and transportation costs, mentoring programs, and dual enrollment opportunities can also make a significant difference.
“We have long been hubs in our communities, but now is really the time to start focusing on developing partnerships with community-based organizations to make sure that all of your students’ needs are being met,” Christina Hubbard, a senior director in research advisory services at EAB, said during a recent roundtable with several rural community colleges. “Whether your partners focus on basic needs, child care, or job preparation, these are services that are going to make it feasible for your students to stay enrolled until they reach their goals.”
Community Colleges Step Up
Northwest State Community College, Pueblo Community College, and Seminole State College are among the institutions making significant contributions to the educational landscape through their unique initiatives and programs, particularly for students from rural and small-town communities.
Northwest State Community College (NSCC) has been a pivotal player in providing accessible education to rural students in and around Archbold, Ohio.
In addition to offering a range of low-cost associate degree and certificate programs designed in partnership with local industries, the college facilitates numerous apprenticeship programs in conjunction with labor unions. These curricula provide both hands-on training with employers and college credits through NSCC. The college has also established a fund that covers the cost of books, course fees, and small student loans for those in need.
Pueblo Community College (PCC), based in Pueblo, Colorado, serves a diverse student body, including a large number of people from rural areas across southern Colorado. PCC is known for its strong emphasis on technical education and health care programs, which are critical to the region’s workforce needs. The college’s Rural College Consortium, a collaborative initiative, allows students from surrounding rural communities to access PCC’s programs without the need to relocate. This approach not only makes education more accessible but also helps to retain talent in these areas, contributing to the health of local economies.
Seminole State College in Sanford, Florida, is recognized for its innovative approach to education in creating pathways for students to transition from community college to four-year institutions. The college’s DirectConnect to UCF is a standout initiative, providing guaranteed admission to the University of Central Florida for Seminole State graduates.
The program is particularly beneficial for students from rural areas, offering a clear and affordable pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Seminole State also emphasizes workforce development, offering a range of vocational and technical programs that cater to the needs of local industries, ensuring that graduates are well prepared for the job market.
Some institutions have found unique ways to continue supporting rural students despite severe challenges. For example, Chatfield College in southwestern Ohio transitioned into a nonprofit organization called The Chatfield Edge after closing in 2022. The Chatfield Edge provides volunteer mentors, career counseling, and financial aid application support to help students navigate the complexities of higher education.
Schools and organizations serving rural areas will be crucial in supporting the workforce development of their communities, given the ongoing shifts in both agriculture and manufacturing industries in recent decades, according to Ty McNamee, EdD, assistant professor of higher education at the University of Mississippi.
“Industries that are common to rural spaces, including agriculture and manufacturing, are declining in modern society; as a result, it will be easy for some to condone leaving rural areas and rural ways of life behind,” McNamee wrote in a discussion paper for ACE. “This thinking is detrimental to people from all walks of life, who need such industries to power and feed an ever-growing world.”
Strategic Collaboration: STARS College Network
Serving as one of the most prominent examples of interinstitutional collaboration, the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network.— which launched in April 2023 — is making significant strides in expanding college access for students from rural communities.
By focusing on strategic partnerships and substantial financial investments, STARS aims to break down barriers in the college admissions process for this population. In just over a year, the network has reached 1.6 million students, families, educators, and community leaders, directly engaging with over 700,000 students and adding more than 288,000 new members.
This summer marked a pivotal moment for STARS as it grew from 16 to 32 schools, including flagship state universities, historically Black colleges and universities, Minority-Serving Institutions, and Ivy League colleges. This expansion enables STARS to extend its reach across more regions as well as assist with concerns such as limited access to college-related resources, financial constraints, and inadequate preparation for standardized tests.
To combat these obstacles, STARS has undertaken a range of initiatives.
The network visited 1,100 rural high schools across 49 states, bringing valuable information directly to students and educators. It also facilitated opportunities for prospective students to experience STARS campuses firsthand through free trips, including those to summer programs designed to prepare them both academically and socially for college life.
Additionally, STARS hosted monthly virtual panels with admissions staff, offering tailored advice for various stages of the college search process.
Recognizing the importance of academic preparation, particularly in math, STARS partnered with Khan Academy and Schoolhouse to provide free courses and tutoring. The network also collaborated with businesses to create internships and job opportunities. Beyond these efforts, STARS has inspired philanthropic initiatives and has forged partnerships with college access organizations, including the College Board and the Ayers Foundation, contributing to a broader movement to enhance college access for rural and small-town students.
The impact of STARS extends beyond immediate educational opportunities; it has sparked national discussions, academic research, and advocacy efforts focused on improving college access for rural students.
Addressing the barriers that rural students face is crucial for ensuring that they have equal opportunities to pursue higher education and achieve economic stability. As these efforts continue to expand, they hold the potential to significantly increase college enrollment and completion rates, ultimately contributing to the long-term success of rural communities across the country.
“It is clear from decades of postsecondary research, practice, and policy that a higher education degree offers individuals and society a variety of educational, economic, health, and social benefits,” McNamee wrote. “Including more rural institutions, and thus the rural populations who benefit from such colleges and universities, in scholarship, practice, and policy efforts will contribute to the betterment of rural populations, their communities, and also the country.”
